Expanding marine protected areas to include degraded coral reefs. Issue 6 (29th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abelson, A.; Nelson, P.A.; Edgar, G.J.; Shashar, N.; Reed, D.C.; Belmaker, J.; Krause, G.; Beck, M.W.; Brokovich, E.; France, R.; Gaines, S.D.
• Is Part Of: Conservation biology. Volume 30:Issue 6(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1182
• Page End: 1191
• Publication Date: 2016-07-29
• Subjects: conservation -- ecological rehabilitation -- ecological restoration -- ecosystem degradation -- marine ecosystems -- MPA -- AMP -- conservación -- degradación de los ecosistemas -- ecosistemas marinos -- rehabilitación ecológica -- restauración ecológica; Conservation biology -- Periodicals; 333.9516
• DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12722
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0888-8892

Abstract

Abstract: Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a commonly applied solution to coral reef degradation, yet coral reefs continue to decline worldwide. We argue that expanding the range of MPAs to include degraded reefs (DR‐MPA) could help reverse this trend. This approach requires new ecological criteria for MPA design, siting, and management. Rather than focusing solely on preserving healthy reefs, our approach focuses on the potential for biodiversity recovery and renewal of ecosystem services. The new criteria would help identify sites with the highest potential for recovery and the greatest resistance to future threats (e.g., increased temperature and acidification) and sites that contribute to MPA connectivity. The DR‐MPA approach is a compliment rather than a substitute for traditional MPA design approaches. We believe that the DR‐MPA approach can enhance the natural, or restoration‐assisted, recovery of DRs and their ecosystem services; increase total reef area available for protection; promote more resilient and better‐connected MPA networks; and improve conditions for human communities dependent on MPA ecosystem services.